Historical Party Conventions

The Democratic Party held the first national nominating convention in the United States in 1832.

The first Republican National Convention was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1856.

John C. Fremont was the first presidential candidate nominated by the Republican Party in 1856.

The Republican Party held its first national convention in Chicago, Illinois, in 1860.

Frederick Douglass was the first African American to address a major party convention, speaking at the Republican National Convention in 1872.

The Democratic Party held its first national convention in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1876.

The first national convention of the Progressive Party was held in Chicago, Illinois, in 1912.

Susan B. Anthony was the first woman to address a major party convention, speaking at the Republican National Convention in 1872.

The Republican Party held its first national convention in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1896.

The first national convention of the Socialist Party of America was held in Chicago, Illinois, in 1901.

Shirley Chisholm was the first African American to be nominated for president by a major party, running for the Democratic nomination in 1972.

The Democratic Party held its first national convention in Denver, Colorado, in 1908.

The first national convention of the Communist Party USA was held in Chicago, Illinois, in 1919.

Shirley Chisholm was the first woman to be nominated for president by a major party, running for the Democratic nomination in 1972.

The Democratic Party held its first national convention in San Francisco, California, in 1920.